Students Already Know What It Takes To Be Successful In College
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It has always been a challenge for students to find their own path to success in college. And yet, in reality, we all know what it takes for students to succeed. To make certain that students are on the right path, they should review the following:

1. Sign Up For Classes as Early as Possible - To obtain the classes needed, students should sign up for their courses as soon as they are allowed to do so. Since required classes often close out quickly, students should check to see if the class is also offered at night, on weekends or online. Additionally, Juniors and Seniors should find out if they take priority over Freshmen and Sophomores. Missing out may mean that a student will have to wait an entire year for that class to be offered again.

2. Obtain the Books and Supplies - Try to find out if the Professors actually use the books and materials listed. Some do, some don?t. When Professors will immediately assign several chapters, students should be ready with books and supplies on the first day of class. Since used books and online books are sometimes available, students should check them out and try to save some money.

3. Go to Class - Many Professors don?t know or care if you attend class. However, most with small classes and online classes value your participation. Either way, students must hear what their Professors are saying, since that material may be on the next test. The best Professors will always talk about things that are not in the book. They tell stories, provide examples, emphasize points that are important and clarify things that are complicated. When students miss a class, they hurt their chances for learning, for participating and passing the next quiz. Few students can answer questions about concepts and information they have not heard about.

4. Sit Up Front - It matters where students sit. For the most part, the best students do not sit in the back of the class. They sit in the front so they can learn, be seen and heard and don?t miss out on anything.

5. Be Prepared to Participate - Show an interest in material and the class by making comments and asking questions. Feel free to comment on the points brought up by other students. As long as the comments and questions add to the learning experience of the class, they will be welcome. Interested students will always learn more and do better than disinterested students.

6. Take Notes - If students do not take notes or record the class, they may not be able to recall all of the important points that were communicated. To do their best on an exam, students will need to review their notes again and again. Some people sift through their notes and highlight or rewrite important pieces of information. That can make it easier to review and remember them later.

7. Get to Know Your Professors - Professors are human. Students can talk to them about the class or subject matter and about any research, papers, books or projects on which they may be working. When students like what they hear, they can volunteer to help. Also, when necessary, students should talk to Professors about their test results, classroom performance and any difficulties with class projects. research papers, demonstrations or presentations. Concerned Professors will usually make some helpful suggestions.

8. Read the Assignments - Students cannot learn from the reading assignments when they do not read the material. To benefit the most, students should write down the important points or questions and keep them for class discussions and to review them before tests.

9. Homework Assignments - Many Math and Language classes, as well as Science courses with laboratories, will require students to complete homework assignments. Homework helps students learn, practice and discover their weaknesses. If students struggle with these assignments, they will know that they need to get some help.

10. Study for Tests - Since few students will remember everything that was previously taught or assigned, most will put in hours of review before they take their tests. Successful students identify the most important concepts in their notes and books and then find ways to remember them. It?s called studying.

11. Learn the Material - Understanding the material and concepts is most important. Students will be expected to apply what they have learned. Regurgitating memorized information is not the same as understanding how to apply it to a real life situation.

12. Start Papers, Projects and Presentations Immediately - The longer it takes to get started, the less time students will have for researching, designing, constructing, writing, evaluating, revising, practicing and polishing the final version. Excellence does not usually result from a rushed or last minute effort.

13. Learn How to Construct a Bibliography and Use Quotes and Footnotes - Nearly every semester, as students move through college, they will be required to write a paper that demonstrates their capabilities with these essential writing tools. Students should obtain or create a one or two page instruction sheet that can be utilized as they require a refresher.

14. Be Thorough With Research - Professors can tell how much effort has gone into student research. They already know the most common sources and quotes. Therefore, students should consider this to be a challenge to demonstrate their research capabilities. When a student can find information sources, quotes and new information about the topic, the chances for a good grade will increase.

15. Never Plagiarize or Cheat - Students who plagiarize or cheat will no doubt get caught. In addition to failing the assignment and the course, they are likely to be expelled.

16. Get to Know Your Classmates - It pays to learn about the other students in the class. There are times when a partner will be needed for a project, when help is needed to understand a concept or when a study partner would be helpful. Students should try to identify other students who match up well with their own personalities and future goals.

17. Hang Out With the Serious Students - Students often become like the people with whom they spend the most time. Successful students hang out with other successful students, not the students who are likely to come up short in their college and life pursuits.

18. Volunteer to Lead Team Projects and Presentations - Effective and productive leaders are easy to spot. Professors will always favor students who can get the job done. Volunteering to serve as a project leader is a good way to strengthen leadership skills and gain the attention of Professors in the field.

19. Ask for Help When You Need It - When students need help, they should try to get it as quickly as possible. Concerned students should immediately talk to the Professor, an Advisor or an Administrator. If students wait to get help, they can quickly fall behind. A tutor, study buddy or classmate may also be able to help.

20. Do Your Best Even When You Don?t Feel Like It - College is the current stop on each student?s path to the future. Students should always make the most of this important opportunity. That?s because employers will have more interest in students who perform well in college. If a good job after graduation is important, consistently good student performance is always beneficial to that goal.

21. Take Care of Your Health - To do their best in college, students must take care of themselves. That all starts with getting enough sleep, eating properly and recognizing and addressing medical or psychological needs.

22. Leave a Positive Impression with Everyone - In many instances, student success or failure will depend on the people they know and the relationship they have with each. When students leave others with a positive experience, few will turn them down when they need help. On the other hand, if others are turned off, nobody will be there to rescue them. Only positive and caring behavior can lead to friendships with people who can be counted on in a pinch.

"Experience is the hardest kind of teacher. It gives you the test first and the lesson afterward." -Oscar Wilde

Although most students already know what it takes to be successful in college, many get tired, stressed or distracted. However, when students are able to overcome those obstacles and reestablish their focus and motivation, they will achieve the success they are after.